Structure of Sentence, its types and

techniques (Accuracy, Variation,

Appropriateness, and Conciseness

Sentence:
“A group of words which convey complete meaning or thought that is
known as sentence.”
Example;
 Ali helps his class-fellows in study.
 Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan.
In the above sentences, the complete thought is conveyed.
OR
“Every sentence requires at least a verb and a subject; a verb is an
action, and a subject is the noun that does the action”.
Example:
 I am writing.
In this example, am writing is the verb. The main verb is write, but
when we conjugate it in the present continuous, we use the _ing form
and add the auxiliary verb ‘am’. The subject is I, the person who writes.
Sentence Structure:
Sentence structure is how all the parts of the sentence fit together. If you
want to make more advanced and interesting sentence, you first have to
understand how sentence structure works.
Below, we explain the rules for all the types of sentence so that uh
communicate clearly, and confidently.
Four types of sentence structure
1. Simple: one independent clause.
2. Compound: two or more independent clauses.
3. Complex: one independent clause and one or more subordinate
clauses.
4. Compound-Complex: two or more independent clauses and one or
more subordinate clauses.
Simple sentences
Simple sentences are pretty simple: just a single independent clause, no
more, no less. This includes subject and verbs, but can also include
objects.
Example:
 We wake up early in the morning.
 I am buying a new pair of shoes.
 Do you play football?
Compound sentence
A compound sentence joins together two or more independent clause
into a single sentence. You can connect the independent clause in two
ways.
 Using a comma and coordinating conjunction (for, and, but, or, yet
and so, also as FANBOYS) between the clauses.
 Using a semicolon between the clauses.
Example
  My sister likes to swim; she is on the swimming team.
 I am very hungry but the fridge is empty.
Complex sentences
A complex sentence uses one main independent clause with any number
of subordinate clauses. If the subordinating clause comes first, use a
comma before the independent clause. If the independent clause comes
first, you don’t need a comma at all.
Example:
 When the cake is brown, remove it from oven.
 “When the cake is brown” this clause can’t stand alone as a
sentence. (dependent clause)
 “,” sometime, comma is used to separate the clauses.
 “Remove it from the oven” this clause can stand alone as a
sentence. (independent clause)
Compound-complex sentences
Compound-complex sentences combine compound sentences with
complex sentences. They require at least two independent clauses and
at least one subordinating clause.
Example:
 When you are ready, I will call the cab, and we can go together.
 Because he paid attention, he got an A+ grade in the exam and he
was so happy.
 Techniques of structure sentence
 Accuracy
 Conciseness
 Variation
 Appropriateness
1. Accuracy
 It refers the ability to speak properly that is, selecting the correct
words and expressions to convey the intended meaning, as well as
using the grammatical patterns of English.
o Correctness of language (either spoken or written)
o It is the use of the correct from of grammar, vocabulary and
pronunciation when speaking.

o The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content

 Where does the information come from?

 Is the information supported by evidence?
 Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
 Can you verify any of the information in another source or
from personal knowledge?
 Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
 Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

When you are quoting data or information in your work you must
be confident that the information is accurate. You need to ask:

 Is the information reliable and error-free?

 Is there an editor who verifies and/or checks the
information?

Why? Because:

 Anyone can publish anything on the web!

 Unlike traditional print resources, many web resources will
not have editors or fact-checkers.
 Currently, no web standards exist to ensure accuracy.

Strategies for Variation

Adding sentence variety to prose can give it life and rhythm. Too
many sentences with the same structure and length can grow
monotonous for readers. Varying sentence style and structure can
also reduce repetition and add emphasis. Long sentences work
well for incorporating a lot of information, and short sentences can
often maximize crucial points. These general tips may help add
variety to similar sentences.

1. Vary the rhythm by alternating short and long sentences.

Several sentences of the same length can make for bland writing.
To enliven paragraphs, write sentences of different lengths. This
will also allow for effective emphasis.

Example:

The Winslow family visited Canada and Alaska last summer to

find some Native American art. In Anchorage stores they found
some excellent examples of soapstone carvings. But they couldn't
find a dealer selling any of the woven wall hangings they wanted.
They were very disappointed when they left Anchorage empty-
handed.

Revision:

The Winslow family visited Canada and Alaska last summer to

find some native American art, such as soapstone carvings and
wall hangings. Anchorage stores had many soapstone items
available. Still, they were disappointed to learn that wall hangings,
which they had especially wanted, were difficult to find. Sadly,
they left empty-handed.

Example:

Many really good blues guitarists have all had the last name King.
They have been named Freddie King and Albert King and B.B.
King. The name King must make a bluesman a really good
bluesman. The bluesmen named King have all been very talented
and good guitar players. The claim that a name can make a
guitarist good may not be that far-fetched.

Revision:

What makes a good bluesman? Maybe, just maybe, it's all in a

stately name. B.B. King. Freddie King. Albert King. It's no
coincidence that they're the royalty of their genre. When their
fingers dance like court jesters, their guitars gleam like scepters,
and their voices bellow like regal trumpets, they seem almost like
nobility. Hearing their music is like walking into the throne room.
They really are kings.

2. Vary sentence openings.

If too many sentences start with the same word, especially The, It,
This, or I, prose can grow tedious for readers, so changing
opening words and phrases can be refreshing. Below are
alternative openings for a fairly standard sentence. Notice that
different beginnings can alter not only the structure but also the
emphasis of the sentence. They may also require rephrasing in
sentences before or after this one, meaning that one change
could lead to an abundance of sentence variety.

Example:

The biggest coincidence that day happened when David and I

ended up sitting next to each other at the Super Bowl.

Possible Revisions:

• Coincidentally, David and I ended up sitting right next to

each other at the Super Bowl.

• In an amazing coincidence, David and I ended up sitting next

to each other at the Super Bowl.
• Sitting next to David at the Super Bowl was a tremendous
coincidence.

• But the biggest coincidence that day happened when David

and I ended up sitting next to each other at the Super Bowl.

Concision
The goal of concise writing is to use the most effective words.
Concise writing does not always have the fewest words, but it
always uses the strongest ones. Writers often fill sentences with
weak or unnecessary words that can be deleted or replaced.
Words and phrases should be deliberately chosen for the work
they are doing. Like bad employees, words that don't accomplish
enough should be fired. When only the most effective words
remain, writing will be far more concise and readable.
 Replace several vague words with more powerful and
specific words.
Often, writers use several small and ambiguous words to express
a concept, wasting energy expressing ideas better relayed
through fewer specific words. As a general rule, more specific
words lead to more concise writing. Because of the variety of
nouns, verbs, and adjectives, most things have a closely
corresponding description. Brainstorming or searching a
thesaurus can lead to the word best suited for a specific instance.
Notice that the examples below actually convey more as they
drop in word count.
Wordy: The politician talked about several of the
merits of after-school programs in his speech
(14 words)
Concise: The politician touted after-school programs in
his speech.
(8 words)
Wordy: Suzie believed but could not confirm that
Billy had feelings of affection for her.
(14 words)
Concise: Suzie assumed that Billy adored her.
(6 words)
Wordy: Our Web site has made available many of the
things you can use for making a decision on the best
dentist.
(20 words)
Concise: Our website presents criteria for
determining the best dentist.
(9 words)
Wordy: Working as a pupil under someone who
develops photos was an experience that really helped
me learn a lot.
(20 words)
Concise: Working as a photo technician's
apprentice was an educational experience.
(10 words)
o Combine Sentences.
Some information does not require a full sentence, and can easily
be inserted into another sentence without losing any of its value.
To get more strategies for sentence combining, see the handout
on Sentence Variety.
Wordy: Ludwig's castles are an astounding marriage of
beauty and madness. By his death, he had
commissioned three castles.
(18 words)
Concise: Ludwig's three castles are an astounding
marriage of beauty and madness.
(11 words)
Wordy: The supposed crash of a UFO in Roswell, New
Mexico aroused interest in extraterrestrial life. This
crash is rumored to have occurred in 1947.
(24 words)
Concise: The supposed 1947 crash of a UFO in Roswell,
New Mexico aroused interest in extraterrestrial life.
(16 words)
Appropriate Language: Overview
When writing, it is very important to use language that fits your
audience and matches purpose. Inappropriate language uses can
damage your credibility, undermine your argument, or alienate
your audience. This handout will cover some of the major issues
with appropriate language use: levels of language formality,
deceitful language and euphemisms, slang and idiomatic
expressions; using group-specific jargon; and biased/stereotypical
language.
The following is a short overview of the different aspects of using
appropriate language. Review the other sections of this handout
for a more complete discussion.

1. Levels of formality: Writing in a style that your audience

expects and that fits your purpose is key to successful
writing.
2. In-Group jargon: Jargon refers to specialized language
used by groups of like-minded individuals. Only use in-group
jargon when you are writing for members of that group. You
should never use jargon for a general audience without first
explaining it.
3. Slang and idiomatic expressions: Avoid using slang or
idiomatic expressions in general academic writing.
4. Deceitful language and euphemisms: Avoid using
euphemisms (words that veil the truth, such as "collateral
 damage" for the unintended destruction of civilians and their
property) and other deceitful language.
5. Biased language: Avoid using biased language including
language with a racial, ethnic, group, or gender bias or
language that is stereotypical.